All:
- Donald Trump gets permanently banned from all mainstream platforms, making history in social media
Facebook:
- Introduces a resource center for Business Equality to foster inclusivity in business operations
- Revamps AI tech to automate image descriptions for blind or visually impaired individuals
Instagram:
- Redesigns Stories viewer on desktop, replacing the older version with a visually-pleasing carousel
- Will allow users to choose whether to display like and view counts on their posts
Twitter:
- Acquires social podcasting app Breaker in a push towards enhanced audio features
Snapchat:
- Expands Bitmoji fashion options offering retailers an opportunity to advertise their apparel catalogue
- Tests an Events feature allowing users to create an event and invite friends with a sticker
- Tests Dark Mode with a selected group of iOS users
TikTok:
- Releases the first AR effect using Apple’s LiDAR sensor for iPhone 12 Pro users
- Strengthens safety rules for minors by setting the profiles of users aged 13-15 to private by default
- Launches new Ad Manager tutorials
- Releases Creator Portal, a hub with all the educational content and tools for creators to become famous
LinkedIn:
- Debuts LinkedIn Marketing Labs, educational content for advertising on the platform
- Rolls out new conversation and post controls for users to limit who can see and reply to their posts
YouTube:
- Tests new Shorts button in a more prominent position of the app
- Launches dedicated hashtag explorer page for searches to become more specific and accurate
- Adds 1st-day performance metric, allowing people to assess video performance during the first 24 hours
Google:
- Tests a new short video carousel to include links to TikTok and Reels clips
WhatsApp:
- Controversially updates its privacy policy, giving parent company Facebook access to a wide range of private metadata
- Clarifies that private messages are safe since they are and will remain end-to-end encrypted, even after the update
Reddit:
- Stages a shocking stock market disruption as Redditors skyrocket the value of GameStop stocks to get back at predatory hedge funds